Mizuki and Vargas stare as they size each other up. Mizuki turns to Nathan.
"He's more powerful than us. We will have to win this with intelligence. So I suggest you act as you see fit. We won't have time to plan as we go."
"Right, we are going to have to play it smart and hope the shadow asshole doesn't intervene."
"The truth is this guy is no pushover so we better play defense, But we can't waste too much time or our friends are finished.
"Play it safe but subdue him quickly. Got it." Nathan enters his strongest form and plants his feet on the ground ready to attack. "Time for that combo?"
Mike drops his arm back and gives a thumbs up. In a blink Nathan is gone. Only a second passes before he's on Joe. He slides underneath him preparing to kick him into the air.
"Not this again." Vargas says, looking down smugly.
Joe looks down to block almost preemptively, but then ,Nathan is gone once again. He teleports now behind him and goes for a sweeping kick mid air.
"You fool." Says Nathan.
Joe turns to grab the kick. As he catches Nathan's foot he is hit up front by a blast of electricity which sends him stumbling. As he falls Nathan catches him and yanks him down crushing his back with his knee. Vargas let out a groan. He pushes his hand off the ground and steadies himself charging a beam. It looks as if Nathan won't even hit the ground before it goes off.
"Now you die!" He screams.
As the beam fires Vargas's arm is kicked upwards sending the blast of course. Joe looks confused as he lands and looks at Mike with contempt. "Impressive you were able to redirect it like that. You really are annoying." Joe smirks and looks on. "No matter, I'll just have to use a stronger attack."
Vargas begins to form a gust of wind. The harsh gust rips the ground around his arm.
"Air magic?" Mike says, drawing his sword and coating it with a static shock. "Nathan, when we collide, you know what to do."
"Yeah I got it. This time I'll be right on the money."
Mizuki thinks to himself. "In training you were never able to get this right. When the chips are down and single moments are the difference between life and death can you put it together? I trust it. I trust in the training we put in."
Joe's blade forms and he charges quickly. Mike holds his blade up to defend it. When the blades collide Nathan looks for his que. He prepares to go in for the combo but before he can Joe's blade expands. Almost as if it had new life blown into it. It booms, shedding the sword sending it flying. The large wind blade comes down clamoring towards Mizuki's shoulder. This time Nazuki slides but not punching Vargas. He grabs the bulk of the wind blade and holds it up. His hands bleeding from the lash. He pushes it off as both brothers jump backwards.
"Nathan, your hands."
"I'm fine, we need to win so a few cuts are nothing."
"You grabbed my wind blade with just your hands. You're impressive. Maybe you have improved. I wonder how you function when somebody attacks your blindspot." Says Vargas.
Mike looks at him and then senses movement behind him. He turns around and barely moves quickly enough to dodge a man flying directly at him quickly. The man goes past him and quickly recovers turning to him. Albert Arklay rises to his feet. The slick man turns to face them and looks them over with cunning and annoyance.
"When will you rats give up? I'll give you an award for persistence but to me it's just a gross waste."
"Arklay, hiding behind a wall of protection instead of standing on your own strength and will alone. To me that's gross." Says Mizuki.
"Fight smarter not harder. Not to mention I'm just trying to even the odds. One versus two seems unfair to me. You are a perplexing case. You are supposed to be the brains of this operation yet you also act as the braun. Putting yourself on the front line risks it all. For some rush of feeling like a hero? Or perhaps you aren't as cunning as you seem."
"Your wrong. I put myself out here because I'm expendable, because my teammates are the true reason this group pulls onward. I can't remember a time when I was the reason we won a battle. If anything I'm just a face of the brand, a fake king no more rightful to the title than a dog. However, for once I'm going to change that. Things will play out differently."
"Oh and how's that?" Joe laughs. His voice looming with genuine curiosity.
"This time I will be a hero. I will cut you down where you stand. I won't need to be bailed out." Mike thinks to himself. "There is only one shot that this works and it's a gamble at best. I'm going to have to have Nathan deal with Arklay, and I'll have to beat Joe one on one. We take too long toying with them and we won't be able to reach the others. This is rough but it has to be done."
Mike turns to Nathan and speaks in a calm yet stern tone. Nathan appears to be shaking although he's trying to cover it up. "I have a plan." Mike says. Nathan looks straight ahead with no response. "We split up and take them on one on one. You take him I'll get Joe."
"How do you presume you beat him right now? We couldn't even beat him two on one."
"Don't worry I won't die, if that's what you're worried about. You just clean up Arklay and get back here and help me. I'll play defense until then."
"As usual I'll trust your judgment but the scientist doesn't look like a pushover if his speed was anything to go off of. I may not win and if I don't, you will be fighting them both alone. And then surely we have lost this completely."
"There is that analytical mind working again. Here is the truth. The odds aren't good here and I'm flying by the seat here. So we just have to roll with it. We have no other choice."
"Right, math isn't getting us out."
"I'm sorry."
"Sorry?"
"Most of the time we have spent these last few years has been things like this. Grim dark dreary situations with seemingly no way out. Nothing but violence, fighting, pain, and loss. When this is over. Let's go back to how it was before mom and dad died for a while. Just chill."
"Don't get all sentimental on me now. You and I both know we signed up for this. The mission is clear. Plus you said you weren't going to die so famous last words aren't needed."
"Are you two done?" Arkley shouts.
Mizuki looks back. "Nathan run go get the others! Go fetch help! We don't have a chance on our own!"
Nathan darts off and Arklay follows "Oh no, you aren't getting away that easily!"
Joe looks on and sideyes the boy. "Wait, it's a trap!"
The man closes the gap quickly and as he's about to grab Nathan, in a flash Nathan turns 180 quickly and instead catches Arklay's arm as it's coming forward. Nathan grabs hard and a snapping is heard. He cranks and pulls him off the ground and sends him flying in the opposite direction, sending him sliding across the dirt. Arklay grovels to his feet and wipes the dirt off but Nathan is on him. This time he blocks it and the two exchange blows. Not too far in the distance Vargas and Mike begin to face off.
Joe laughs and chatters in between punches and blocks. "Leaving your kid brother to clean up your leftovers? Guess your deflection was right, you are just a face of the brand."
"You underestimate him, he's no kid. Not to mention I just wanted you to myself. No more talking, just fight you coward."
Mike charges Joe. He doesn't engage in any abilities though. He appears calm and level headed.
"You dare mock me!"
Vargas charges in full power recklessly. He flies at Mike and aims for his head. As he does at the last second Mike puts a hand on Joe's fist and performs a finesse dodge, sending Joe past him. Mike turns and puts his guard up.
'You fight like you plan, Sloppy." He says.
"Very well I'll just smash through that guard of yours!" Vargas Screams.
Joe charges towards him again, this time his first collision with Mike's guard. Joe pounds and pounds as Mike slides, losing his ground, but he doesn't falter.
"What's with that stern face? Why won't you speak anymore fool? You know it's over."
Mike holds steady as Joe continues his onslaught. Joe's face scrunching with each punch.
"Don't ignore me you bastard!"
Joe hops back and charges a beam up ready to fire. He drags it across the ground destroying concrete beneath him and it quickly travels towards Mike. He jumps sideways running quickly, the laser unable to keep up. Before long the beam begins to fade and Mizuki stops. He halts and looks Joe dead in the eye. Joe rages
"What is your issue? You aren't scared? You aren't going to fight back? Why are you just running?"
"I can't bring myself to fight someone so pathetic. A man with no honor or integrity." He responds.
"No integrity?" Vargas grates through his teeth.
Over on the other side Nathan and Arklay exchange blows. This fight is dead even. The two halt and are both panting.
"You know you are quite fast. I'll give it to you, I haven't worked this hard in a while." Arklay said. His face gleaming with a coat of genuine excitement.
"Yeah well I'm glad I can entertain you but I need to end this now. I have more important matters to attend to."
"Scared for your brother?"
"I would be stupid not to be. Vargas is dangerous. Now, let's end it."
Nathan bites down hard on his inner cheek and blood begins to run down his face. All of a sudden the veins on his head begin to bulge and his body starts to turn red as if inflamed. His muscles bulge as if they are going to rip. Nathan lets out a gurgling groan and fights back pain.
"What is this? Have you gone angry? You look like a damned tomato."
Nathan thinks to himself. "This will leave me unable to fight more than likely, but I need to end it quickly. Take down Arklay and assist on Vargas. No other choice. No other option!" Nathan clenches his fist so hard muscle and tendons tear from their joints. Flesh heats and blood boils. "I don't have an option to lose here. So if it means giving my life I don't care; I'll kill you now. Final limiter: unlock. No more games." Nathan is gone in a flash of dust and the ground beneath where he once stood crumbles. An overwhelming shockwave that sends waves over the battlefield. Arklay looks around trying to track the afterimage of Nathan but he's too fast. Before he can, Nathan only for a moment appears behind Arklay. He sees this and tries to block the attack. Nathan swings his arm down and the now cowering man gets his arm up just in time to block it but upon impact his arm is bent backwards. Completely broken, his arm lay limp and bleeding with bone piercing the skin like a needle through cloth. He stumbles back and shrieks.
"You demon!" Arklay blubbers looking at his arm. "What have you done? Who are you?"
"I'm sending you to where you belong."
"Where I belong?"
"Hell."
Nathan leaps into the air, Arklay stumbles but falls off balance. As he does Nathan comes down on him crushing his chest. Ashford spits blood into the air in a red mist as it covers Nathan. He raises a hand as if to beg but before he can mutter a word. Nathan comes down on him with earth shattering force. The ground shakes as Arklay is blown into a cloud of crimson. Nathan stands over his opponent as the dust settles.
"Your trash. Do you want forgiveness? Get religion."
Angry Joe looks on in shock at the unexpected outcome. "You fool Arklay! You damned cocky fool."
"Never take your eyes off the battle. Lightning magic, piercing shiv."
As Joe talks, Mike goes in for a strike. Joe reacts barely in enough time to dodge it and smirks at the thought of his victory. The smirk turned to a painful grimace as he felt the weight arrive on his head. Nathan came down on the back of his head sending him downward into the ground, his head violently hitting the earth. As Nathan lands on him he pulls out a syringe and injects it into Joe's back. Mizuki follows through and connects with a lightning shiv jamming it into Joe, piercing his flesh.
"I told you not to underestimate him. Nice job. Now let's finish this."
Joe sits up holding a hand over Mizuki stopping him from stabbing him further. He shakes to his feet unsure of what happened. "How could I be so careless."
"The frustration you built throughout this fight was your downfall. You have this overwhelming need to play with your food so much that it causes you to be reckless. Now. It's time we finish this."
"I'm not done yet!"
"Before he can finish Nathan grabs his arm and quickly breaks it at the elbow. Joe let out a yell of agony. Mike looks at him with no emotion as he draws his sword and envies it with electricity. Nathan holds Joe in place and Joe tries to break free but can't.
"What is going on? Despite my injuries I should be able to break free. I know I'm-"
"New poison we cooked up, courtesy of Lobra and Hinako."
"Please, I don't want to die. I'm not done yet."
"Neither did my friends that you killed, and you are done. You may not accept it yet, but it's still true."
"Mikey come on man we can- "
"No, we can't."
"As Mike says this he yanks his hand from Joe's abdomen. He puts his sword to Joe's throat and holds it there. Pausing. Nathan looks confused. Mike's hand begins to waver.
"You are thinking of sparing him? You are going to consider this guy's life? Look I know the code we have and I agree but this guy is an exception. He should die."
"I know."
"It's different this time. You know it. Finish him."
"No."
"No?"
"No, because I have won. Killing him would be mercy. A real victory would be letting him rot in a cell realizing the mistakes he made. That his moral's were nothing more than thick straw not the castle walls he thought they were. That the people he killed were not evil, just regular people he snuffed out. All I want you to remember Joe is this moment. Me standing over you. I was right, we were dealt the same hand and followed different roads. Mine led me to victory, yours led you to solitude and groveling in the dirt."
Vargas looks at the young man unable to speak. He shows no signs of fear, no signs of anger or sadness. Just a blank stare up at the outline of a man cloaked in sunlight.
"You are stronger than me. I would kill him now," said Nathan.
"Revenge is a hell of a feeling. When you or I die your last moment will be spent thinking of the future you gave people. While he will be regretting and wondering where he went wrong. I promise you, this isn't a mercy. It's a moral and just punishment. In time, hopefully it also allows him to repent."
"Repent?" Vargas asks.
"You aren't totally evil, I've said it before. Just lost. I will never forgive you, but I know how you got here."
Mike pins him to the ground and wraps his hands in handcuffs. He rises and holds up his bloodied hand to Nathan as a fist. The two fist bump and head to the battlefield with the remaining strength they have left. Onto the horizon to face the new monster that awaits. "Let's go." Nathan says calmly.
*******
Youta runs carrying Reyna up a flight of stairs in a now abandoned office building. She doesn't look good. He turns into an office and lays her down. Reyna fades in and out of consciousness as Youta checks her heart rate. He realizes it's slowed to a dangerously low speed.
"Where is Hinako when I need her? This is bad."
********
Reyna begins to open her eyes but doesn't see an office building. She sees bright white light for miles and miles. Almost blinding. Reyna sits up and looks around. She looks at her hand, then legs, then up to the sky.
"Am I dead? Is this the other side? Seven hells."
"No dear, it's not. Although that was almost where you were about to be."
Reyna looks up and a woman appears in front of her. It was a beautiful middle aged woman with hair white as snow, bright blue eyes, classical looking silk clothing grazed with gold embellishments. Around her neck is a glowing green fluid filled necklace. Reynas' eyes widened.
"Mother? I really am dead."
"I am here to bail you out. Surprised it wasn't sooner if we are being honest here. Looks like you took a beating."
"An understatement. An enemy like nothing I've seen even from our realm appeared. He beat me without much of a fight."
"Well then he must be strong. You may not have always been the brightest or well behaved but I don't and won't doubt your strength."
"Well what are you doing here? Not even to mention how are you here?"
"I fear I'm not really here, just a small pool of my mana I stored in the seals imbued on your skin. I placed it here in case you ever needed a boost."
"I thought that was just some sort of family tradition to get the marking."
"That's what you were told, but it was a mana seal. It was also so we could meet. If you were ever in grave danger I could give you this power. Now. Stand up. It's time."
"Sure thing." the girl says to the ghost.
Reyna stands and her mother puts her hands on her shoulders.
The mother begins to channel. Her eyes glow into a fiery orange. A light colored essence begins to pour out of every fiber of her being. Some into Reyna and some directly past her. This continues for a few minutes before the glow leaves and half of the tattoo on the daughter's lower back fades away.
"It is done. Before you go, I need you to know. I am not sure what horror you face in the real world, and I will never know the outcome of it. Yet, I am hopeful you will succeed here. I love you, and I'm proud of you. I only wish I could be there to see what you become."
"Thank you mom. Selfishly I would like to talk but I need to go."
"Go do your duty, protect the people."
"I will."
In an instant, Reyna's eyes open and she's in an office building with Youta crying on her. "Youta, please get off, I'm still sore."
"You are alive!" He screams. He lets out a screech at an almost inhuman volume.
"Yes I am, but we need to go."
"Reyna you are in no shape to fight."
"I'm alright Youta, I have a newfound strength."
Reyna clenches her fist and they head for the battlefield. After searching for a while Reyna and Youta spot Lena and a few others sitting in the middle of a town square. The large paved square sits in the center of shopping centers with three of the largest buildings in the area closely grouped together . The group stands and stares into the sky at a tiny blip floating over them. Reyna calls Lena. "Hey! What is happening? where is the shadow man?"
Lena turns, her usual bubbling kind face a pale husk. "I'm glad to see you are ok. The shadow man? We believe he's right there. He's been sitting up in the sky toiling since you left. What about Mike and Nathan? Are they okay?"
"Wish I knew. They are fighting. Vargas and Arklay."
"Our friends will be fine. I trained Nathan well and Mike won't go down easy. You know this." Youta spoke with a youthful vigor.
"You are right. We have to believe in them." Says Lena.
As Reyna says this Mike and Nathan are spotted stumbling in the distance.
"Nathan, up ahead. The team."
"Joy."
Nathan and Mike rush over to the team and Mike is met with embrace from multiple team members.
"So glad you guys are okay. So you won?" Asked Youta.
"Yes, Vargas is captured and Arklay is dead," Mizuki said.
Gasps and shock cross the team. Lena, still firm, looks at him and grits her teeth.
"Well if that's the case you guys should have no trouble with this guy. Right?"
"I wouldn't be so sure. This guy seems like he's in a whole nother league. If he managed to beat Reyna it's unlikely I could take him 1 on 1. Good news is we don't have to do this 1 on 1. We got strength in numbers."
Piers cranks over his radio. "This is Piers Evans, near the entrance of the plaza I sent out prior to this is a man tied up. This man is Vargas, please detain him but keep him on site."
"He's on the move. Incoming!" Lena shouts.
The being lowers slowly towards the earth now within earshot of the group. As he hovers above the group Piers approaches him.
"What do you want? What is your goal here? Vargas is defeated! so you have no reason to continue."
"He's gone? Well good. Saves me the trouble." The being booms.
"What? You aren't working for him?"
"Working for that weakling? You offend me. He may have summoned me but the only way I was beholden to him was sparing his life. If he was lucky he may be spared to work as my slave. You few won't be so lucky I'm afraid. Sorry."
"Answer my question! What do you want?"
"I will rule over the lands I lost. People will pay for what they did to me."
"How on earth do you plan to do that?" Asked Lena.
"You worthless scraps will be the first to bear witness. Behold."
The Shadow man fires a large bolt into the sky and in a flash the sky begins to darken. A red hue in a large runic circle hangs over the horizon. All the group can do is watch as this godlike figure performs acts unlike anything they have ever seen. All of a sudden a large mass of flesh begins to formulate as if out of nowhere. Slowly growing and wrapping around the 3 large towers. The tentacle-like masses grip the buildings so hard they shatter the glass. At the top a large mass begins to form in a fleshy bloody mess. All while in the center of it a large skull begins to formulate. After only a moment passes a large demon-like creature looks down with 2 hulking black eyes, a boney skull holding them in place with a large jaw. The creature raises its two magnificent arms into the sky and opens its jaw with a crack. It lets out a bellow into the night.
"I feel like my ears are gonna burst!" Mike screams.
"Shield yourself!" Youta shouts.
The creature looks down at them as the man lands and looks them over with regress.
"I am Godkill. Behold the power of a god."
The group of heroes look up at the hulking creature.
"It's massive," said Kazuke.
"What can we do against something like that? Its power is enormous," said Youta.
"Mike, Piers? What is the plan?" Asked Reyna.
Mike looks at her and then the others with a hint of confusion. "Plan? What plan could there be for this?"
The beast opens its mouth and lets out a gurgling sound. A large tube like feature emerges and it lunges for one of the three large pillar like builds shattering the glass on impact. The creature then begins to churn and fluid and many dark objects pours from the orifice. It slowly sucks the tube back up into its mouth and looks down at the ant sized foes below. As it does it lunges one of its long tendrils towards the ground.
"No time for a plan move!" said Kazuke.
As they all leap the monster slams the ground with enormous power. Concrete and dust fly creating a hurricane of fragments. Cars and storefronts were destroyed in an instant. Piers stumbles to his feet and makes a phone call.
"Hello, commander. This is bad but I may have a plan. Send the STS. Keep the rest of our forces out of this and try to buy us some time before the government gets involved completely. If we involve regular soldiers there will be mass casualties. Let us handle this first."
"Piers! Leon! Are you guys okay?" Mike Asked.
Piers stands up and motions to Mike behind a concrete barrier. Mike runs over and leans down closely. "I have a plan to buy us some time. I need time to think over an idea on how we beat this guy now I need you to just -"
A large explosion Booms shattering the concrete barrier sending the three caught up in the blast stumbling. Mike tries to shield Piers and Leon but a large piece of rubble clobbers Piers in the head and he hits the ground with a thud. Mike recovers and shakes him aggressively.
"Piers? Come on now isn't the time for a nap. Fuck."
A large military van rolls onto the battlefield and no sooner than when it stops a large door opens and out pours 20 soldiers. They are armed to the teeth. They wore black carbon armor head to toe and were outfitted with a variety of weapons. Some swords, some guns and some using weapons never seen by the general public. The last man to walk out was the only one unhelmed. The man was middle aged with blonde undercut hair, a large handkerchief hanging from his neck outside of armor. He left the trailer and went straight towards Mike extending a firm hand and a stern smile. Mike reaches up and pulls himself to his feet. Looking at the man. He speaks regally.
"Hello sir. I see that Captain Evans has been knocked out so I guess I will report to you now."
"I would prefer you report to him but I guess that isn't going to happen, the situation is complicated."
The man bows formally. "So it seems. I am Captain Oluo. Commander of the STS. I am at your service."
"No need for the formalities, I'm not your boss. But I was hoping you came with a plan."
"Well then, it appears you're more of a greenhorn then I thought. Here I expected after all I've heard you would be ready to rumble with a full sketchbook of ideas but you're running blind."
Reyna overhears this and calls out to the captain with urgency. "Look there is a lot at stake here so if we could cut to the point here that would be great."
Oluo raises his eyebrow and puts his hands up shrugging. "Easy dear if you wish to nag me like a wife there's more of me you must become acquainted with before laying claim to the privilege."
He turns to Mike. "We will buy you time to come up with a plan. I'll entrust that to you as we lay down our lives to cover you. Don't make me regret this." He turns to his men. "We are here to buy time for our trump cards here to finish this battle. Keep them alive and lay down your life if you have to. It's time for what we have trained for. This monster is nothing like we have ever encountered so don't attack just bait him for the time being! Go!"
"Yes sir!" His men cry out in unison. As they do they all spring into the sky and take flight.
"I'm trusting you kid. Don't mess this up." He reaches around to the stainless steel pack on his back and cranks a knob until a noise is heard. As he draws 2 hilts he presses them inward as 2 large energy blades appear and he takes to the sky.
"They can fly?" Mike said.
"Yeah. It's new tech," said Leon. "Basically, a hyper powered jet pack. Fast and maneuverable, but doesn't last long. These are the elite of the elite operatives, only they were trained to use it," said Leon.
"And that guy?" Asked Mike.
"From what I know he's no joke. A bit smug but he is reliable. He's seen his fair share of combat. For a guy with minimal power he has come a long way."
The militant group sails around. The monster swings its one loose tendril clamoring to hit them but they avoid the attacks well.
"Very well. Now for my plan," says Mike.
Lena runs over to the group standing by. "Are you guys ok?"
"Yeah I am what about the others?" asked Mike.
"Everyone survived that attack."
"They have this locked down for now. But we need to Assist them. I don't want any more blood to come from this," Mike said. Mike looks at the monster. Holding his gaze. "Does this thing have legs?"
"Don't think so. Looks like it's hanging onto those buildings for support," said Leon.
"Are those buildings evacuated?"
"Nobody is here as of now. Why? What are you plotting?"
"Get the clearance now, then we rig those towers to blow and we drop that big ugly fucker. Once he's down here we finish him."
"Public property damage. I like it. Go forward with the plan and I'll take the heat. Our vans should have some charges. How do we rig them?" Asked Leon.
"Unfortunately we are gonna need them all over each building, preferably on the inside structures."
"I'll gather the team," said Reyna.
"Quickly. We don't have time to waste."
A minute passes and the team rallies around mike. He lays out the plan.
"Who should go into the buildings? It's a big risk," said Leon.
"I'll go for one. I'll handle the east tower," said Piers.
"Piers? With that head wound you should stay here," said Mike.
"With my head wound I should get away from the battle. This way I can still be useful. Besides, I'm fine, just blacked out."
"Very well."
"I'll handle the west," said Lena. "I'm fast, it makes sense for me to do it."
"And who will handle the last tower?" Mike asked.
"Me. I'll handle it," said Brody.
"No, I am responsible for getting you into this. Sending you out like that isn't fair," said Mike.
"I'll go with you. We can cover more ground that way," said Junpei.
"I guess I would feel safer if you went with him. Fine, everyone knows the drill. Get moving!"
The brave soldiers grab their packages filled with military grade explosive charges and head towards their respective towers.
"We help Oluo, buy as much time as we can, and when that thing hits the ground we slam him with everything we have," said Mike.
"The beast opens its mouth and belches. The soldiers prepare for the attack.
"Hit the deck! Now! Move!" Oluo screams. He engages his pack and sends himself sailing toward the West tower crashing through glass into an office building. His soldiers don't move.
"We aren't scared, captain! This thing is all bark!" A soldier screams.
The monster releases and in an instant hundreds of large spikey shards fly from its mouth like a rain of glass. Soldiers In the sky drop like flies as they are eviscerated. Limbs, viscera and blood fly as men scream and flee in shock to no avail. The monster finishes its attack leaving a cloud of red mist and gore falling to the earth. One by one the soldiers fall to the ground. Oluo looks on from inside. "You idiots! I told you to take cover. Damn it!" He bolts from the window at record speed and in his flight grabs a young soldier. The monster turns to target them and fires another barrage. Oluo hits the down button on the soldier's pack and turns quickly. Oluo spins holding his blades out in front of him and like a fan they deflect the projectiles away as he retreats back into the building. He lands and wipes the sweat off himself. He grimaced and punched a desk hard. "Only able to save one. Fuck me. What have we gotten ourselves into? Piers is gonna pay for this one."
Back on the ground, Mike looks up as blood rains down. A crimson mist coats the ground. "They all died. In one attack. Protecting us."
Leon clammers to his feet. "They died protecting the city, and we are gonna die too if we don't fight back. Let's go! We need to continue the assault and hold out for the others to get the charges in place." He pulls his firearm and fires at the beast. "I'll start us off! Let's go!"
Mike's sadness turns to rage and he draws his blade charging it. "Yeah, let's avenge them, and save this place one last time. We can do this!"
"I'm ready," said Reyna.
"I have your back," said Kazuke.
"This city will not fall." Lena added.
They charge up and begin to launch consecutive attacks on the creature getting its attention.
"Don't let up! We do this for our comrades and our fallen soldiers! We won't lose here! We can't." Mike screamed.
******
Inside the east building Piers shines a flashlight on a stairwell as he rigs explosives to a large pillar. He ties a knot and flips a switch. "looks about done here." He says. As he prepares to grab his radio he hears something and takes cover. He looks around the corner and sees a familiar face. He stands up gun drawn and aims at him. "Doobernasi."
"Evans. Your hero arc ends here. Hand over that switch for those charges."
"Why would I do that?"
"Because you aren't getting out of here. It's over. You won't beat me and you know it. I may not be a combat type but you are just a regular human being. A fly to swat. You aren't like the others."
Piers takes his rifle strap off and tosses it at his feet. He then begins to unbutton his vest and slowly slides it off.
"What are you doing?" Asks Alex.
"You said I'm gonna die, might as well be comfortable right?"
"You are admitting defeat."
"In a way, I can't beat you in a straight up duel with no chance. You are right, I'm nothing like the others. At the end of the day I'm just an ordinary soldier. I just put in the time to make it as far as I did. I'm expendable."
"Glad we finally agree on something."
"I wouldn't be so glad, you see I have a feeling we don't. You are also expendable. Your little boss who has been captured by the way sent you after me. The weak link of the team. What does that say about you?"
He lunges forward and as he does piers pulls out a detonator.
"No no, don't move any closer. Or that's it."
"You wouldn't dare. You will be killed too!"
"Isn't that the benefit of being expendable? The only difference between you and me is how close to the end we got before we realized it. That and if I die here I will be a beacon of hope. Passing the torch onto my comrades to fight for a brighter tomorrow. Those kids out there will be my future and carry my will forward. As for you, Well you will just be known as a loser who failed to take Fukuoka Japan. Is Tokyo too big for ya? Don't blame you, city life isn't for everyone.
"You fucking bastard. You think you're just some kind of hero, don't you?"
"No. Just a man with nothing to lose. Anyway, It's been nice chatting. Now. Suck. My. Big, hairy, stinky fucking balls you fucking circus clown!
Piers slams the detonator and Doobernasi lunges for him. The building explodes violently after a small delay and the two of them are engulfed in flames. The building crumbles floor by floor until it lies in a large heap.
*******
Outside. Mike looks at the building in shock and awe. "Piers did it, but that was early. I hope he made it out."
"Look, it worked!" said Leon as he points. The large demon slides and clings to the two remaining towers that beckon under the weight. The east tower now a heap of ash and dust.
"Two more to go. Keep up the attack! Hold it off!" Lena Yells.
The being opens its mouth once again and a red glow emits. After a brief channel he fires off into the distance a large red orb. It heads towards a large building and on impact crumbles it with ease. The towering structure crumbles to the ground destroying everything nearby. The cascade causes residual collapse leveling a large chunk of area.
"Shit! Get on the beast now! We need to prevent any more damage. If he keeps that up the loss of life could be immeasurable."
The team regiments another standard formation attack. Carrying on their goal to keep the monster at bay. operation.
******
Meanwhile in another tower, Brody and Junpei move up a staircase in a dark building.
"Only one more charge should be good," said Brody.
"Shut up. I heard something," said Junpei.
"What is it?"
"If I knew what i wouldn't be worried would I?" Think Brody think."
"I suppose not."
"No, this is the building the creature shot that tube into. Can't tell you I know what that means but it could be bad."
A loud clanking echos in the vent above and Brody shines his light upwards. as he does a fast small creature screeches and flies down clinging to the boys face. He lets out a muffled shout as he attempts to pry it off. Junpei rips the creature off and slams it down, shooting it quickly.
"What the fuck?" Junpei says. He looks at it. A small creature with five legs and a small skull shaped head. Almost like a small version of the demon that created it. "We need to get these charges set fast."
"Sir. We have a problem."
"What?"
"Look up."
He looks up the stairwell and sees a horrible sight. Hundreds of the small demon creatures move down the stairs quickly after them. "Run shit pants we gotta go. The other charges will have to be enough!"
The two run down the stairs and as they do the monsters quickly catch up. Brody falls, and the monsters swarm him. They begin biting him and Junpei fires off his rifle, clearing the beasts. He clears them and drags Brody into an office and slams the door.
"We are in some deep water here."
"What's the plan?"
"Well we are too high up to use the window, this office appears to link to another one. We can use that to get back into the hall and then we book it. Same way we came in."
"Ok I got it. Let's go."
The two move to the other office and slowly sneak into the hallway.The monsters look at them and begin to charge. Junpei and Brody run and take the alternate stairs. As they do they drop down 5 floors. As they are about to make it out they are cut off. More monsters arrive from below.
"Cut into this room!" Says Junpei.
"They just keep coming. At some point we might have consider our options," said Brody.
"What do you mean?"
"We take too long here it could mean everyone outside dies. Maybe more than just them. If we can't get out we gotta blow the charges."
"You're so quick to throw your life away?"
"No, it's a last resort. To be honest though if we live here and everyone else dies. Is that really a better outcome? I don't think so."
"You're finally starting to get it. However, you can't die yet. I didn't teach you for nothing. Keep up."
They slam the door and enter a room with the same layout as the last. The sound of the creatures pounding on the door and crawling through the vents echos.
"This is bad, they are all over. Blocking every exit and sooner than later they will be in here. We can fight them but I doubt we can take them all down in time. Rooms too small they will be on us. Look I Got a plan but you aren't gonna like it."
"What is it?"
"Do you trust me?"
"Of course."
"Do the same as before."
Brody enters the next room and begins to head towards the door and the hallway when the door slams behind him. He turns around and sees Junpei barricading the door of the room he just left behind. He bangs on the door.
"Junpei. This can't be the plan. What are you doing?"
He walks to the door. "It's been fun kid, keep on keepin on. This is the end of the line. I'll draw them away. You get out of here and blow the charges when you're out. Do not hesitate."
"No you can't, we can make it out. You can't throw your life away. What did you just tell me?"
"Maybe, but like you said if we fail everyone dies. I've spent my life watching friends die to save others and I don't intend to do it again. To me, that's the bad outcome. Watching my student die before he gets to use what I've taught him. Now go. Remember, find that thing that's worth dying for. Unless you've already found it."
Brody hesitates and nods his head. "I think I have. Orders are orders. Thanks Junpei. For everything. I won't falter."
Brody enters the hallway and looks on. He sees the door open as the monsters swarm the room Junpei is in. Gunfire is heard as he runs and flies down the stairs at mach five. He makes it to the lobby and runs out and as he does he is punched square in the face by somebody. Brody shuffles to his feet.
"Oh wow they sent you? I wasn't expecting that. A little Japanese kid."
"We are in Japan moron. What do you expect? Also, you hit like a bitch. I expected more." Brody rises to his feet wiping his mouth.
You are a tough one aren't ya? Time for me to bend you over kid."
"Racist and creepy. I'm not in the mood for games to get out of my way."
Snodderly runs at the boy and tackles him to the ground and begins choking him. "Killing clowns, that's my game."
Brody struggles and slides the knife out of his waistband. He lunges and stabs Snodderly hard in the side and twists it. He then boots the angry man off of him and stands up. He dives onto him and begins punching him in the face over and over and over until Snodderly is bloody and bruised. The two scuffle and begin exchanging blows in a spit swapping slobber knocker. Snodderly cranks and slams Brody in the face, sending him to the ground and he prepares to attack once again.
"Time to die kid."
A whirring sound stirs from behind causing Snodderly to turn. In a flash and swing of a blade Snodderly's head sails from his body. The swords wielder lands and kicks Snodderley's lifeless corpse to the ground and walks over it to help Brody up. Oluo Captain of the STS.
"Sorry I'm late kid. You held up well." Says Oluo
"Thank you sir. Much appreciated."
"Hop on, I'll get you back."
Brody hops on and the captain sails away. Brody reaches into his pocket and draws the detonator and looks back at the building. He fights back emotion as a tear rolls down his face he clicks the button.
"Thanks Junpei. See you on the other side."
The building explodes and crumples the same as the last and as it does the monster once again slides this time almost totally losing its balance. It remains hanging off of the one building and screams as it begins to lose itself once again. Brody and Oluo regroup with the team who look beaten down and bruised.
"Two down one to go," said Mike. "Brody, great work." Mike looks around. "Where is Junpei?"
"He didn't make it."
" What?"
"I hate to say it but we can't mourn now. We still have a battle to win here," Leon said.
" I wonder if Lena got her tower set up," said Reyna.
As these words are spoken a large explosion occurs beneath the monster. The final building falls and the monster tumbles screaming the whole way down.
"Fall back! Clear the area!" Mike screams.
The monster flutters without grace hitting the ground and a shockwave flushes over the landscape. Dust, rubble and wind smash and pummel with the power of a tidal wave. The team is shaken as they struggle to stay standing. As it settles.
"Is it done?" Asks Leon.
The smoke settles slowly and Mike calls out to his team. " Is everyone alive?"
One by one people make their way over to him and regroup. Everyone is accounted for.
"Hell yeah we kicked those things ass!" Lena runs over, finally returning from her mission.
"You did great Lena. Good work," said Reyna.
"Where is Junpei? Piers?"
"Piers has yet to return," said Mizuki.
Brody walks up to Lena and drops to one knee and bows his head. "Junpei is dead. Killed in the battle."
"He's dead?"
"I'm sorry. He died saving me. It was a death fitting a hero."
"You can fill me in soon, Brody. Thank you."
Brody thinks to himself. "To have her friend killed and to be so casual. She's truly an impressive hero. No wonder he spoke so highly of her."
"Junpei was a hero. No question. The man died to save this city," said Leon.
Oluo puts his ear up and listens towards the rubble. He shoots to attention "Get down it's coming again! Move!"
Leon looks towards the rubble and a large spike flies out of it. Followed by a large barrage of them. Lena blinks, grabbing him and dragging him down. Kazuke and Reyna fire off large attacks to combat the attack. The spikes fly colliding with an invisible force. Karina created a large bubble wall of energy. They clank and shatter, cracking the bubble. Karina stalls it as she struggles to hold the barrier. The attack ends and she falls to the ground out cold.
Kazuke catches her head. "Good save. Karina."
"Lena! Leon! You guys ok?" Shouts Mike.
Leon stumbles out of the dust with Lena slumped over his shoulder. Her torso was impaled by a large chunk of spike.
"Shit you are kidding."
"It's not as bad as it looks," Lena said.
"Nonsense, why did you do that?" said Leon.
"Couldn't let you die. Thought I was faster than that too."
"Damn it. How many of us are going to get hurt over this. My plan puts everyone at risk," said Mike
"Nonsense. You can't be faulted for this," said Oluo. "This isn't something we could plan for."
"Let me look at her!" A soft faint voice screams from a distance. Hinako runs up to the group.
"Hinako what the hell are you doing here? This isn't a place to be- "
"I can't sit around while everyone fights. I won't fight, I'll just help with the injured. Let me do this. Get her behind that building. I'll go with them."
Youta grabs Lena and rushes her over with Hinako. They turn the corner behind a building and Youta returns promptly.
"She should pull through, trust in Hinako. Even without her power she knows first aid," said Youta.
A loud screech bears down. The group looks on in shock as the monster stumbles on its lumpy body. It opens up its mouth and again the red glow begins. Kazuke stands to his feet and summons his conjuring. The beast fires a large bow directly at the monster which explodes on impact staggering the monster.
"We need to finish it now! Before the other guy steps in. we won't have a shot like this again!"
"You heard him give it all you got!" said Mike.
The team gets up and charges the monster with a varying assault of attacks. The monster counters by dragging its large arm across the ground. The members are forced to jump back and take cover once again.
"It's no use his attacks are too dangerous we won't even get close," said Kazuke.
"What about a ranged attack?" Asked Mike.
"I can't muster another arrow. Absorbing Itami's conjuring has my body in tatters. Reyna is beaten from her battle. I fear it's you we got left."
"I'm not in the best shape either. Karina is out for the count mana wise. Lena and Hinako are gone. Youta is close quarters, Nathan is still drained from the limit release technique. Damn it all."
"I can help you," said Oluo.
"No. You've already laid down enough men."
Mike looks at the team and stands up. He walks up to Kazuke and holds his hand out.
"Give me that sword. Now."
"Sure but what good will that do?"
"I'm going to kill this thing. I'm done wasting time here. You guys back me up. I'll get it." Mike steps up and rushes with two blades drawn and runs towards the monster head on. "You guys back me up! It's time to finish this!"
Mike charges and the monster sweeps its arm again attempting to deter the attack. Mike jumps over the arm and hits the ground. Readies himself and continues forward with resolve. The monster summons a tentacle from its neck and prepares to slam it down. He dodges to the side of the strike but as he does another tentacle comes fast.
"Damn it, I won't be in time to dodge it!"
As the tentacle is about to strike it stops in its tracks and goes sailing. Mike looks and sees captain Oluo cutting the tentacle harshly before landing.
"Go kid I got your back!"
"We have your back to finish it! Go for the eyes!" said Kazuke.
Mike leaps into the air and spins forward flipping the blades downwards. He lets out a scream and comes down on the creature's eyes piercing them deeply. The beast screams at an otherworldly level.
"Holy, the greenhorn did it!" Yelled Oluo!
"He got it!" Reyna said.
"Hell yeah," said Nathan.
Mike yanks the swords from the eyes of the beast and blood blasts violently from the holes soaking him and the ground. The wounds spurting slows to a drip and the eyes begin to glow. Mike looks down and realizes too late. The beast's head explodes, sending Mike flying into the air. One of the blades snaps from the force of the blast and impales Mike in the chest as he slams to the earth lifeless. The team takes cover from the surrounding blast. The monster's neck slams down with only a large gaping hole where its neck used to be remaining. One eye hanging off a pound of gore and flesh. Oluo lies nearby and shuffles to his feet and looks at the defeated monster and smiles. He then notices Mike laying on his back blood pooling beneath him.
"Shit. Greenhorn!"
Lena and Hinako return. Lena's torso bandaged. She stumbles over along with Hinako.
"You guys did it!" Lena mumbles through pain.
"Oh no. Mizuki!" Hinako wails In horror. She runs towards him. The team slowly notices what happened but before anyone can react the monster twitches. It wiggles its eye as it perks to attention. The glowing begins. Again.
"No, it's going to finish him off but I can't move!" Kazuke says.
"No, I won't be in time!" Yells Oluo charging for Mizuki.
"Have to stop that thing!" Says Reyna.
Reyna stands to her feet and begins to cast but it appears to be too late. Oluo stands just out of reach with no gas remaining on his pack. In a blink a flash of movement passes them all. Lena flies into the gaping hole in the demons throat and lodges herself in deep. She flashes back out leaving a large beaming explosive mana bomb behind. She attempts to flee but is sucked back by a large tendril. After a second a large explosion goes off collapsing the beast's body on itself. The beats explosive blast collapses in on itself detonating the large orb the beast was charging. Oluo grabs Mike's body and darts to safety. Nathan rushes forward grabbing Hinako and tossing her outwards. The explosion booms from the monsters head sending Lena flying. Nathan stumbles but is caught in the muffled blast's edge. The beast lets out no sound but collapses a pile of mush and guts. Oluo lays Mike down and Hinako gets up. Reyna drags Lena away and lies her down.
"Oh no. No. My god." Says Hinako. As Youta brings Nathan over and lays him down. She stands over Nathan who lies mostly untouched except for his right arm. She looks over at him as she realizes his right arm was blown completely off in the blast. From the elbow down, nothing remains. "I can heal you. Don't worry. Maybe, oh my god."
"We have another injury. It's bad," said Leon.
Lena lies on the ground lifeless but breathing. Her arm was gone at the shoulder. Her stomach ripped open.
Reyna looks at Nathan and back at Mike, then to Lena then looks over to Kazuke also on the verge of collapse. "We have nothing left to fight with."
"The beast has been slain." Says Oluo "Now we need to get these guys to a hospital. Quickly."
A voice booms from above. "You stopped my plan oh no whatever shall i do."
Reyna shouts at him from below. "What now then? Your summon was destroyed. Plan failed. Stop this bloodshed."
"What now? Well I'd say it's onto stage 2. I have to say I'm impressed. I really didn't think you could kill Zaos but thank you truly."
The man floats to the ground and approaches the beast's corpse which is slowly melting into the earth. He reaches into the cavernous skull and yanks out a purple beating orb.
"The core of Zaos." He says almost salivating. "I never thought I'd see it again."
"What is that?" Reyna asks.
"You took out the man who summoned me, saving me the trouble. You killed Zaos, making this step easy. I couldn't have asked for a better setup."
"What do you mean, setup?"
He crushes it and a purple dark essence rushes over him flowing into every fiber of his being. He radiates power as a shockwave blows over him.
"You see Zaos was not my summoning. Opposite actually. I killed Zaos in the past to consume its power. When I was reanimated it appears we got separated. His DNA must have still been in me after all this time. To my dismay that I would have to defeat him again and absorb him. I barely did it when I was alive let alone in this reanimated body."
"No. It can't be."
"You defeated the monster just as I wanted. Thank you for killing it for me it would have been virtually impossible alone and I dare say you helping me was out of the question. I am in your debt."
"No way, he used us," said Oluo.
"You bastard, how could we fall for that." Said Kazuke.
Godkill floats into the sky a dark cloud swirling around him. He slips into a bubble shield and as he closes he speaks. "Now the real battle begins. Prepare for your death."